Farrell, Navarro and co impress with a boisterous but musically slick live album recorded on their recent North American tour

othing’s shocking, Jane’s Addiction once informed us. Nothing’s changed very much in the intervening quarter-century either, judging by this new live album… but one suspects Jane’s Addiction fans are unlikely to fret too much about that.

Available on CD, DVD, Blu-ray and good old-fashioned vinyl, Live In NYC features 12 tracks culled mainly from the band’s classic first three albums of the late 80s and early 90s, though Just Because (from 2003’s comeback Strays, and their biggest UK hit to date) and Irresistible Force (from 2011’s The Great Escape Artist) do make an appearance. Sadly however Songwriting only got sent the album, not the live DVD, so we can’t comment on the “immersive theatrical experience” that was recorded at NYC’s Terminal 5 last December.

What we can tell you is that in terms of vocal performance alone, 54-year-old Perry Farrell has lost none of the unbridled, Iggy-like energy that made the band’s live debut Jane’s Addiction so compelling way back in 1987, while the band behind him have only gotten tighter over the years. Been Caught Stealing may be more extended Zappa-esque jam than three-minute punk rawk anthem these days, but the song – essentially – remains the same. Ooh, now there would be a good name for a live album…

If there’s a criticism of Live In NYC it would be that, well, nothing much has changed! If previous Jane’s Addiction offerings have failed to impress, this won’t be the album that changes your mind. But if you’re a fan of Farrell & Co, then this is an essential addition to your collection.

Verdict: Over 25 years in, the live Jane’s Addiction have lost none of their energy and excitement